Module 8: North Africa and Southwest Asia (Chapter under editing)

The countries of the realm share three key dominant traits that influence all other human activities:1) is the dry or arid type B climate that dominates and covers most of the physical area of this realm; 2) is Islam: most of the people in the realm are Muslims. Islam acts as more than just a religion. It also serves as a strong cultural force that has historically unified or divided people of this realm. The divisive nature of the religion has often resulted in serious political confrontations within the realm between groups of different Islamic ideologies; and 3) is the availability of significant natural resources. North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Turkestan all have significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and important minerals. It stands to reason that not every country has the same reserves and that some of the countries have very few or none at all. However, in terms of how the countries gain national wealth, it is the export of oil that has dominated the economic activity as it relates to the global community. 

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe three basic traits the countries of the realm shares in common.
   
2. Outline the two cultural hearths of this realm and explain why they developed where they did.
   
3. Describe the early life of Muhammad and the origins of Islam.
   
4. Analyze the differences and similarities among the three main monotheistic religions.
   
5. Outline the unique geographic qualities of the Maghreb and explain how this region is connected to Europe.
   
6. Describe the main qualities of the African Transition Zone and explain how the dynamics of this zone are affecting the country of Sudan.
   
7. Describe the types of governments found in the region.
   
8. Explain why Turkey wants to be a member of the European Union (EU) and why it has not been accepted.
   
9. Summarize how Central Asia has been transitioning from a Soviet-dominated region to independent states and what has been occurring in the various states to adapt to the new economic environment.
   
10. Explain the geopolitical history of Afghanistan and why this area has been so difficult to govern under a central government.
    

To achieve the above listed objectives: 

1. Read the Module 8 Introduction 
   
2. Read and view the materials in the Module 8
3. Read Chapter 8 on North Africa and Southwest Asia in [Chapter 8: North Africa and Southwest Asia – World Regional Geography (pressbooks.pub)]
   
4. Complete all Module 8 activities.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities